Genome-wide mechanisms of nuclear receptor action

Nuclear receptors are involved in a myriad of physiological processes, responding to ligands and binding to DNA at sequence-specific cis-regulatory elements. This binding occurs in the context of chromatin, a critical factor in regulating eukaryotic transcription. Recent high-throughput assays have examined nuclear receptor action genome-wide, advancing our understanding of receptor binding to regulatory elements. Here, we discuss current knowledge of genome-wide response element occupancy by receptors and the function of transcription factor networks in regulating nuclear receptor action. We highlight emerging roles for the epigenome, chromatin remodeling, histone modification, histone variants and long-range chromosomal interactions in nuclear receptor binding and receptor-dependent gene regulation. These mechanisms contribute importantly to the action of nuclear receptors in health and disease.